Shining a bright light into the dark corners of the shadow-world of literary scams, schemes, and pitfalls. Also providing advice for writers, industry news and commentary, and a focus on the weird and wacky things that happen at the fringes of the publishing world.

December 5, 2005

A.C. Crispin - 20 Another Victory for Writer Beware! WE RULE!!!

Kelly O'Donnell/Martha Ivery/6 other aliases has just pleaded guilty in Federal Court to ALL 15 COUNTS OF FRAUD (INCLUDING BANKRUPTCY FRAUD) SHE WAS CHARGED WITH!

Sentencing was set for April 28th, 2006. Victoria and I are planning to be there in court that day.

Folks, this means JAIL TIME. Several years of it. We're hoping for about five.

Kelly/Martha scammed, as best we can estimate, over 300 aspiring writers out of over half a million dollars. She got paid for books that never came out, books she was "agenting" that were never sent anywhere, a fake writing cruise to Hawaii, mail fraud, conspiracy to commit mail fraud, credit card fraud, and the forementioned bankruptcy fraud.

(Bankruptcy judges take a very dim view of citizens who commit perjury in their court, let me tell you.)

I'll post more details later, as I get them, but wanted to get this up right away. I have to call the Associated Press, they've asked for my commentary.